CHICAGO — The Andersonville community is rallying around a beloved therapy dog who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Residents have seen the smiles of Jay the golden retriever at the corner of Winnemac and Glenwood for the last couple of years.
His owner, Junco Newman, loves to tend to the small garden at her senior apartment complex.
Jay soon realized how serene gardening can be and never wanted to go back inside.
“He can see many people, dogs and is so happy there,” Newman told NewsNation local affiliate WGN. “Everyone would ask, ‘what’s his name?'”
Newman’s daughter created the following sign and the visits took off even more from there.
“People loved the sign,” Newman said. “Each time people stop by and pet him and say ‘hi Jay’ — he gets so happy, lies down and shows his belly.”
Jay is a certified therapy dog and Junco got him after suffering through some tough times.
She wanted to give back and knew the power of his smiles and energy. So she and Jay volunteer through Chicago Canine Corps.
Newman and Jay have spent considerable time at Jesse Brown VA Hospital and Northwestern Hospital.
“We visited the ward for patients with mental challenges,” Newman said. “Jay loved sitting in the big conference room and they pet him. Each time someone comes in, he knows what to do. He makes them happy and they give him treats.”
Andersonville resident Corwin Christie moved into the neighborhood in 2023 and quickly met “the fixture of the neighborhood.”
“Jay is very Zen, mellow and lovely,” Christie said. “Kids made him a bunch of birthday cards and families love saying hi to him daily.”
The 3-year-old has spinal cancer and Christie created a GoFundMe to help Newman with the massive costs of treatment.
Over $11,000 has been raised — something that is overwhelming for Newman.
“It’s unbelievable, this is the hardest time for me,” Newman said. “If I could keep Jay healthy and happy for years, this support — I can’t thank people enough.”